Simón Alvarez Plata is the final international addition to the defense of Panthers Wrocław.

Simón Alvarez Plata joins Panthers Wrocław! The linebacker, who recently represented the Terrassa Reds in the Spanish league, will suit up for the Polish franchise in the 2026 AFLE - The League Europe season.

Simón began his football journey in 2014 in Berlin, playing for the Cobras and Rebels youth teams. With the latter, he promoted to the senior team in 2021, competing in the GFL 1 (Germany's top tier). His career quickly gained momentum - from 2022 to 2023, he played for the Potsdam Royals, with whom he won the German championship.

In recent seasons, Plata has been a regular on the international stage. In 2024, he played for the Hamburg Sea Devils, and in 2025, he represented Berlin Thunder in the European League of Football. He spent the last few months in the Spanish league, reaching the national semifinals with the Terrassa Reds. As he admits, this stint allowed him to stay in peak game shape before returning to international competition.

You represented the Hamburg Sea Devils and Berlin Thunder in international competitions. Do you believe your extensive experience at the European level will prove crucial for the Panthers' defense in the upcoming season?

Yes, I believe it will help. Playing internationally demands a lot of commitment and preparation, two things the Panthers can 100% expect from me.

Did the fact that your teammate, Gennadiy Adams, played for the Panthers back in 2024 influence your decision? Did you two discuss the specifics of playing in Wrocław before you signed your contract?

It definitely did. Genna and I played together in Potsdam and  last year in Berlin. He’s my guy, and I really appreciated him and all the insights he gave me about Wroclaw, which ultimately helped convince me.

Given your history with major German brands, what ultimately convinced you that Panthers Wrocław is the best place to continue your career?

First of all, I always try to find the best environment to improve as a player and grow as a person. On top of that, the Panthers have a great reputation. For me, it felt like the perfect opportunity to continue my career and take the next step.

In 2023, you won the German championship with the Potsdam Royals. What kind of locker room mentality is required to build a team capable of fighting for the highest goals, especially in the inaugural season of a new league?

I believe  that the team must come before every individual and that the mentality has to be wanting to get better and improve every day.

You spent the last few months with the Terrassa Reds. How do you evaluate your time in Spain, and to what extent did those performances help you maintain an optimal rhythm before returning to competition in Central Europe?

I had a great time con mis hermanos, I loved it and I’m gonna miss it. It was very fun but looking back it was also a great off- and preseason for me to prepare and be ready for this upcoming season.

As a linebacker, you have to effectively balance stopping the run with pass coverage. Which of these elements do you consider your greatest strength, and what can the fans in Wrocław expect from your style of play?

I consider myself a hybrid linebacker. I’m comfortable in both run defense and pass coverage. In either one, fans can be sure that I will be playing aggressive and from sideline to sideline.

The AFLE league is a new chapter in the history of European football. What personal goal have you set for yourself this year, and what will be the main indicator of success for you in a Panthers jersey?

My goal is to help the team win and be consistent every week. Success for me is being reliable in my role and contributing where I can.

Finally - what message would you like to send to the Panthers Wrocław fans who are counting down the days until the first game of the 2026 season?

Let’s make this Season unforgettable. Go panthers!